Articles
December 2011, Pages 52-53
Muslim-American Activism
Jim Moran Headlines CAIR's Annual Fund-raiser
Congressman Moran began his speech on Muslim-American civil rights by wishing Muslims throughout the United States a blessed Eid Al-Adha celebration.
"I am here because I want to help educate the Muslim community on the importance of civic activism while joining the struggle against Islamophobia," the Virginia Democrat said. "Politicians today use anti-Muslim rhetoric as a platform for their campaigns."
When economic, social and political troubles face this country, Moran explained, some Americans lose their generosity. Politicians are targeting the Muslim community and using it as a scapegoat for their problems.
"If I were to pose the question 'What is Islam?' many non-Muslims would give an answer that portrays their ignorance and bias," Moran said. Refering to "Go Home" graffiti scrawled on an Islamic Center in Dearborn, MI the congressman urged the Muslim-American community not to give up on this country, because "This is your own country. It will be stronger for your values. Our country desperately needs you," he emphasized.
Refering to the "Fear, Inc." report, Moran said many organizations are running fear campaigns to promote the distortion of Islam. Describing himself as neither a "conspiracy theorist" nor an "alarmist," the congressman said he only deals with facts. He proceeded to list the seven right-wing organizations that have donated money to craft anti-Muslim laws in America and foment anti-Islam rhetoric on Capitol Hill.
Donors who are determined to turn people against the Muslim community include the Richard Mellon Scaife Foundation, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the Newton D. & Rochelle F. Becker Foundations, the Russell Berrie Foundation and the William Rosenwald Family Fund. Their campaign uses fear and insecurity and funds "so-called" Islamic experts such as Daniel Pipes, Robert Spencer, and Steven Emerson, among others, who appear regularly on networks such as Fox News.
"Many people weren't happy about me spending time with CAIR this evening," Moran said. "They accused me of consorting with the enemy—but we can't be intimidated."
He called on the Muslim community to play an important role in diminishing the barriers created by fear, as he encouraged them to prove their loyalty and patriotism by working hard, paying taxes, raising their children to be model citizens, volunteering at charities and participating in the parent-teachers' association at their children's schools. A good education and understanding the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is extremely important in becoming integrated in society, he said, adding that it is important for Muslims to know their rights because that can protect them from discrimination. "Defend the U.S. Constitution and stand up for the rights of others," he urged, whether it is African Americans, Asian Americans or Hispanic Americans. "Ask yourselves, 'Who is suffering?'"
We should all come together and unite, he said. "There is no other, we are all one community.
"Muslim Americans should stand up directly to those who preach and practice violence," he continued. "It is Haram!—forbidden by Islamic law."
Saying that Muslim Americans should play a major role in the future of U.S.-Arab relations, especially after the recent events of the Arab Spring, Congressman Moran concluded his inspiring remarks by saying that "The United States of America will become the nation it's meant to be, the true beacon of hope for all mankind, if you make it so."
—Lama Al-Arian
